What a Scene
Goo Goo Dolls Lyrics


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When you're all wrong in the back of your mind again
How does it feel
When you drop down everything's all the same
Saccharine caffeine nicotine gum
Yeah it tastes sweet but it's not for long
And I just think you thought it would be
When you're looking for truth on the cover of a magazie
How does it feel
When you find out what you're not gonna be
They give you your image and the things you believe
Open your eyes tell me what did you see
And I just think you thought it surreal

How does it feel when you're out on your own
And now it's too late to come home
And it's hard to be free when you're down on your knees
Take it easy till you make it alone
Now you're a supermarket punk rock television comedy
Out on the scene
Yeah I bit down now there's no hand to feed
And all the beautiful images lining your wall
Pop radio screaming down the halls
Now you think you found something real
When it's all about money and the things that you need
Live a big lie and they all believe
Now I just find that somehow obscene

How does it feel when you're out on your own
And now it's too late to come home
And it's hard to be free when you're down on your knees
Take it easy till you make it alone
Take it easy till you make it alone
What a scene
Yeah
When it's been said before
And all been done




Take it easy till you make it alone
Take it easy till you make it alone

Overall Meaning

In the Goo Goo Dolls' song "What a Scene," the lyrics explore the idea of feeling lost and disillusioned in a world that seems to prioritize superficiality and materialism. The opening lines set the tone, asking the listener how it feels to be "all wrong in the back of your mind again" and to drop down only to realize that everything is the same. The next lines reference saccharine substances like caffeine and nicotine gum that may provide a temporary high, but ultimately leave one unsatisfied. The chorus then asks how it feels to realize that the image and beliefs sold to you by magazines and pop culture are not what you want to be, and questions what you truly see when you open your eyes. The second verse continues to explore this theme, suggesting that even rebellion against mainstream culture can become commodified and fake ("supermarket punk rock television comedy").


The refrain of "take it easy till you make it alone" suggests that the path to true freedom and authenticity is a difficult one, but ultimately the most rewarding. The final lines of the song give a sense of exhaustion with the state of things, acknowledging that it seems like everything has been said and done before.


Overall, the lyrics of "What a Scene" criticize the shallow values of consumerism and the media, urging the listener to seek out their own truth and path. The song can be seen as a call to individuality, and a rejection of conformity and the need to fit in.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're all wrong in the back of your mind again
You're feeling uncertain and conflicted with your thoughts.


How does it feel
Asks the listener to imagine themselves in the situation being described.


When you drop down everything's all the same
You feel like everything is repetitive and monotonous.


Saccharine caffeine nicotine gum
Refers to instant gratification and temporary pleasure that is not fulfilling.


Yeah it tastes sweet but it's not for long
The pleasure is only temporary and not worth the consequences.


And I just think you thought it would be
You had false expectations and were disappointed with the outcome.


When you're looking for truth on the cover of a magazine
You are searching for answers in all the wrong places, such as media and material things.


How does it feel
Asks the listener to imagine themselves in the situation being described.


When you find out what you're not gonna be
You realize you have been misled and have to reevaluate your goals and expectations.


They give you your image and the things you believe
You are influenced by societal expectations and norms that shape your identity.


Open your eyes tell me what did you see
Encourages you to critically examine the world around you rather than blindly accepting what is portrayed.


And I just think you thought it surreal
You had unrealistic expectations and were disappointed with the outcome.


How does it feel when you're out on your own
Asks the listener to imagine the feeling of independence and self-sufficiency.


And now it's too late to come home
You cannot return to the comfort of familiar surroundings.


And it's hard to be free when you're down on your knees
It is difficult to feel liberated or empowered when you are struggling and vulnerable.


Take it easy till you make it alone
Be patient and take things one step at a time until you can stand on your own.


Now you're a supermarket punk rock television comedy
You have conformed to societal norms and lost your individuality in the process.


Out on the scene
You are visible and present in society.


Yeah I bit down now there's no hand to feed
You made a mistake and must face the consequences of your actions alone.


And all the beautiful images lining your wall
Your surroundings may look ideal and perfect, but it is just an illusion.


Pop radio screaming down the halls
Mass media influences culture and values.


Now you think you found something real
You believe you have found what you are looking for.


When it's all about money and the things that you need
The reality is that everything is based on money and material possessions.


Live a big lie and they all believe
You may not believe in what you are saying or doing, but others are easily fooled by it.


Now I just find that somehow obscene
It is disheartening to realize that other people may live in ignorance and false beliefs.


When it's been said before
The message is not original and has been expressed many times before.


And all been done
The actions are not unique and have been done before.


Take it easy till you make it alone
Be patient and take things one step at a time until you can stand on your own.


Take it easy till you make it alone
Be patient and take things one step at a time until you can stand on your own.


What a scene
What a situation or environment to be in.


Yeah
Expression of agreement or emphasis.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHN T RZEZNIK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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